Group 3 Aviation, Inc. welcomes you to the world of aviation. Whether you're soaring through the skies for fun, or working toward an exciting new career, no other endeavor will provide you with such a thrill and excitement.
We are a full service flight school that offers a variety of training packages in both airplanes and helicopters. With over thirty years of experience in aviation, its founders have developed a philosophy that flight instruction should be a safe, fun and enjoyable experience.
Group 3 Aviation, Inc. recognizes the growing needs of a multi-cultural society. In addition to our dedication to local students, Group 3 Aviation, Inc. trains students from South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. As a result, Group 3 Aviation, Inc. has helped hundreds of enthusiastic students realize their life long dreams of flying.
Group 3 Aviation, Inc. is devoted to safety. Highly experienced fixed-wing and rotorcraft staff mechanics maintain our modern fleet of aircraft.
We are located at the Van Nuys Airport in the San Fernando Valley. The local climate is considered ideal for flying and has contributed to the airport having become the seventh busiest airport in the United States and the largest general aviation airport in the world. Climatic conditions therefore rarely create down time for students. Van Nuys provides the most challenging airspace to the student without becoming overwhelming. Its convenient location allows a variety of flight environments including city, mountains and deserts.
Starting with your first flight your Certified Flight Instructor will provide you with the unique experience of flying the aircraft hands on! From then on, you are on your way to the most rewarding and challenging experience of your life.
Airplane Courses
Private Pilot
Group 3 Aviation's coordinated syllabus is designed to incorporate the learning of aeronautical knowledge and the practical application of that knowledge to in-flight training. Each phase follows a planned progression incorporating academic studies and flight training in the aircraft. Group 3 Aviation's training is tailored to obtain the competence level required to operate in some of the most complex airspace in the world -- the Los Angeles Basin. Students will be trained to deal with real-life situations that will enhance their confidence and piloting abilities. This training provides a high degree of flexibility for adapting to the individual student's needs and experience.
For this rating the FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours flight time, of which 20 must be dual (with an instructor) and 10 must be solo (without an instructor). In the private pilot course, students will progress to the level of proficiency required for the FAA Private Pilot Certificate.
Instrument Rating
For this rating the FAA requires that you have a minimum of a private license.
The Instrument Training Program is designed to meet the challenges of flying the aircraft in adverse weather conditions. You will develop the technique and skills necessary to navigate and maneuver the aircraft solely by reference to the flight instruments. Learning to fly in the Air Traffic Control System like the professionals will enhance your ability to meet the demands of operating in today's complex airspace. In the instrument pilot course, students will progress to the level of proficiency required for the FAA Instument Rating.
You must have logged 50 hours of cross-country flights of at least 50 nautical miles distance. You must also have received 40 hours of instrument instruction, of which twenty can be in a flight simulator.
The cost for an instrument rating depends, of course, upon whether you have all the required cross-country. Assuming you have met these requirements, a minimum course consists of 10 hours of simulator time and 30 hours of instruction in the airplane.
Commercial License
Commercial pilots are professionals who are able to earn money for their piloting services. Commercial Pilot training at Group 3 Aviation provides an invaluable learning experience for the career pilot.
Commercial training is offered in both single-engine and multi-engine aircraft. For Part 61 only, one must complete a minimum of 250 hours of flight time, which must include at least 15 hours of complex aircraft time.
(10 hours dual instruction, 5 hours as PIC).
Notes
- These are the FAA minimums. The average candidate usually requires additional dual instruction before they are prepared for their examination
- Each course requires a minimum of 10 hours of ground school in preparation for the written and oral exam. Minimum ground school costs per course is $400 There are nominal additional costs for supplies, and exams.
| Private Rating: Cessna 152 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 Hours Dual Training. $166/Hour |  |
$6,440 | |
|
| 10 Hours Solo Training. $101/Hour | $1,010 | |||
| 20 Hours Ground Instruction. $55/Hour | $1,100 | |||
| Books And Materials. | $200 | |||
| FAA Written & FAA Flight Exam (including aircraft rental). | $647 | $9,597 | ||
| Private Rating: Cessna 172 Based on average full-time student completion time. |
||||
| 40 Hours Dual Training. $179/Hour | |
$7,160 | |
|
| 10 Hours Solo Training. $114/Hour | $1,140 | |||
| 20 Hours Ground Instruction. $55/Hour | $1,100 | |||
| Books And Materials. | $175 | |||
| FAA Knowledge Exam | $95 | |||
| FAA Oral & FAA Flight Exam (including aircraft rental). | $578 | $10,248 | ||
| Instrument Rating Airplane: Cessna 172 | ||||
| 35 Hours Dual Training. $184/Hour | $6,440 | |||
| 10 Hours Simulator. $95/Hour | $950 | |||
| 20 Hours Ground Instruction. $55/Hour | $1,100 | |||
| Books And Materials. | $175 | |||
| FAA Written & FAA Flight Exam (including aircraft rental). | $683 | $9,348 | ||
| Multi-Engine Rating: Seminole PA44-180 | ||||
| 10 Hours Dual Training. $265/Hour | $2,650 | |||
| 5 Hours Ground Instruction. $55/Hour | $275 | |||
| Books And Materials. | $100 | |||
| Aircraft Rental & FAA Flight Exam | $880 | $3,905 | ||
| Commercial License Multi-Engine Airplane: Seminole | ||||
| 10 Hours Dual Training. $265/Hour | $2,650 | |||
| 20 Hours Ground Instruction. $55/Hour | $1,100 | |||
| Books And Materials. | $100 | |||
| FAA Oral & FAA Flight Exam (including aircraft rental). | $880 | $4,730 | ||
Financing
Several options are available to assist in the payment of your flight school dues. Click here for more info on participating loan and finance programs.
FAA Flight Examinations
Upon completion of ground and flight courses, check rides are also carried out on-site by FAA Designated Pilot Examiners. Again this offers our students familiarity in the aircraft flown as well as flight environments.
Simulator
We offer the Elite PCATD Simulator for the instrument training and IFR recurrency. The PI-121 features the sturdy ELITE Pro Panel SE Flight Console equipped with a six lever MEL quadrant standard (which can be used with either single or multi-engine craft), gear and flap actuators, and rudder trim. In addition, the PI-121 comes with the ELITE AP-3000 Avionics Panel and Flight Link Rudder Pedals.